The Cartographers’ Guild is a forum created by and for map makers and aficionados, a place where every aspect of cartography can be admired, examined, learned, and discussed. Our membership consists of professional designers and artists, hobbyists, and amateurs—all are welcome to join and participate in the quest for cartographic skill and knowledge.

Although we specialize in maps of fictional realms, as commonly used in both novels and games (both tabletop and role-playing), many Guild members are also proficient in historical and contemporary maps. Likewise, we specialize in computer-assisted cartography (such as with GIMP, Adobe apps, Campaign Cartographer, Dundjinni, etc.), although many members here also have interest in maps drafted by hand.

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ. You will have to register before you can post or view full size images in the forums.

Threaded View

Storm Isle

Not sure what this is exactly so I wasn't sure where to post it. Here will do I guess.

This started out as me doodling mountains, trying to refine a slightly different style. Then it was going to be a quick test map and I drew a coast in that stretched all down the left side. Then I got bored with that and decided to make it an island. Then I figured I would make it a map again but as I was doing it I figured it would be just more of a quick painting.

It took me about two hours. It was all going to be in a very rough style and done in two colours - dark brown and light grey - but then I added the green over the forest just to try and emphasize the difference between the two areas. Most of the image was done, apart from some of those early mountains, without zooming in. It's not brilliant but I am quite pleased with how it turned out, seeing as this is my first painting in nearly twenty years and my first true digital painting.